The phrase “Big Fat Indian Wedding” isn’t just a saying, it’s a reality for most Indian families. From the grand wedding procession (baraat) to the intricate mehndi ceremony, Indian weddings are an extraordinary celebration of love, culture, and tradition. But with so many events and so much at stake, it’s easy for costs to spiral out of control.
If you are planning to tie the knot in 2025, managing your wedding budget is crucial. Here’s a guide tailored to Indian weddings that will help you allocate expenses wisely, all while keeping the festivities as vibrant as they should be.
How can you plan the perfect wedding under an estimated budget of Rs 25-30 lakh?
According to Rumela Sen, Editorial Lead, WeddingWire India, a wedding planning app, this is how couples can allocate the expenses across key areas such as Pre-wedding necessities (wedding cards, jewellery and accessories, etc.) Venue, Catering, Events, Transportation, and more;
All Events’ Venues + Catering Rental: We recommend allocating 45-50 per cent of your wedding budget to venues and catering rentals for all functions. This can increase if you are planning a destination wedding further away from your hometown and have multiple accommodations to arrange.
“Food plays a very important role in Indian weddings. Needless to say, your guests never forget the food you offer, so try not to simplify the menu too much. One can discuss theme-based menus for each event and create packages that do not repeat similar cuisines in back-to-back events,” says Sen.
The easiest way to simplify the venue booking process is by opting for one destination closer to your hometown and accommodating any outstation guests.
Wedding Jewellery: Purchasing wedding jewellery for the bride and groom is the next most significant investment. We suggest keeping this budget separate from the wedding planning budget or allocating a minimum of 15-18 per cent of your budget to this cost.
Honeymoon: Approximately 4-6 per cent is suggested for honeymoon planning. We encourage couples to explore deals or negotiate with airlines or hotels for discounts to help minimise costs for themselves.
Venue Decoration: This call is subjective and depends entirely on the couple's preference and vision. The ideal split for budget weddings should be around 5-7 per cent, but some couples might also choose to go all out and spend 10-15 per cent on thematic decor.
Photography and Videography: We suggest allocating 10–13 per cent for pre-wedding or engagement shoots, wedding photography, wedding videography, and albums, owing to the importance of investing in professional services to capture timeless memories.
Wedding Planning: Allocate at most 5-8 per cent for a wedding planner's fee. It’s invaluable if the couple is planning a destination wedding, but it can be avoided if they have enough time and a small guest list.
Bridal and Groom accessories: This is another subjective choice and depends on the bride's and groom's preferred brands and designers for their wedding day. We suggest keeping this budget separate from the planning costs. On average, this should be around 5 per cent for all events and can be increased if the wedding guest list is small.
Entertainment: We suggest allocating around 5-10 per cent for entertainment, advising couples to consider local talent or entertainment options to infuse a unique cultural touch while keeping costs reasonable.
Bridal Makeup and Mehndi: Brides should limit this budget to 3–5 per cent to make room for other investments, such as invitations, wedding favours, transportation, ceremonial spending, priests', family, and in-laws' gifts, etc.
One of the key factors to contain your budget is ‘Guest List Management’ - which can be extremely tricky for an Indian wedding. If you prefer an intimate celebration with fewer guests what should you do?
Says Sen, “An easier way to work around this is to create an initial list with the help of your partner and parents and then shortlist the final names depending on your relationship and their importance in your life.” Families can divide the complete guest list into two and invite groups for certain events. In the case of a ‘minimalist celebration’, the closest friends and family members can remain constant, with a few additions at the wedding reception only.
Indian weddings are a celebration of love, family, and tradition. While they can be expensive, smart planning and a clear budget can help you create an unforgettable experience without financial stress. So, whether you’re planning a royal affair in Rajasthan or a cosy celebration in your hometown, keep these tips in mind. The key is to strike a balance between honouring your traditions and embracing practicality.
